It's very likely you already know about Cattail as an all-around food source.
This article (with great pictures) describes in good detail how to use all parts of the Cattail plant.
Yes, they grow in your area unless you live in the desert or arctic.
http://www.askaprepper.com/delicious-recipes-using-cattails-supermarket-swamp/If you have a puddle of water on your property, DO plant Cattails... If not, then dig a pond for them.
Not only can you eat it, but it also makes some very useful tools: Furniture, torches, medicine, baskets etc.